Colorado Springs, Colo. – The Colorado Springs Fire Department encourages you to stay safe this holiday season. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home. Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. The most dangerous is the use of a turkey fryer. Because of the risks attributed to turkey fryers Underwriters Laboratories will not certify any fryer with their trusted UL mark. If you are going to us a turkey fryer this holiday season, we want you and your family to stay safe.

Always use turkey fryers outdoors at a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn.

Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages. Make sure fryer is on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.

Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. The oil can continue to heat until it catches fire.

Never let children or pets near the fryer. Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer.

Do not overfill the fryer.

Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles.

Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades.

Oil and water don't mix, and water causes oil to spill over, causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.

Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.

Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.

Colorado Springs Fire Chief Chris Riley says, “As we give thanks this holiday season, I ask that you all do your part in staying safe. The most devastating fires and injuries are ones that could have been prevented. Please use caution while cooking and if you are going to use a turkey fryer, I ask that you follow every safety precaution. Have a great holiday.”